BDO LLP achieves Approved Verifier status under Climate Bonds Certification Scheme,
strengthening support for green debt verification
London, 21/11/2024 – Climate Bonds Initiative is pleased to announce that BDO LLP, a leading UK-based accountancy and business advisory firm, has achieved Approved Verifier status under the Climate Bonds Certification Scheme. This approval enables BDO LLP to offer verification services that align with the robust standards and rigorous requirements of Climate Bonds, supporting issuers and applicant entities in validating the climate credentials of their green debt instruments, assets, and activities.
As an approved verifier, BDO LLP can now provide third-party assurance to issuers seeking Climate Bonds Certification, evaluating projects and assets across multiple green sectors to ensure they meet the rigorous environmental and technical standards defined under the scheme. The approval of BDO extends to conducting verification of entities and sustainability-linked debt that meet the 1.5°C-aligned performance targets defined by the Standard. This capability builds on BDO LLP's extensive expertise in assessing climate impact, financial modelling, governance frameworks, and transition plans, enhancing investor confidence and market transparency.
With experience in due diligence, sustainability reviews, and certification evaluations, BDO LLP supports clients in aligning with globally recognised green finance practices and advancing credible, climate-aligned investment. Their work contributes to the critical task of mobilizing capital for projects that facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Sean Kidney, CEO and co-founder, Climate Bonds Initiative:
"BDO LLP's approval as a Climate Bonds Verifier brings a new depth of expertise to our expanding pool of verifiers, particularly in the UK and European markets. Their knowledge across audit and assurance fields, paired with a clear commitment to climate objectives, will strengthen the green finance ecosystem and provide issuers and investors with the confidence they need to drive ambitious climate action."
Dr Tauni Lanier, Director within BDO’s International Institutions and Donor Assurance practice:
“BDO is incredibly proud to have achieved Approved Verifier status under the Climate Bonds Certification Scheme. Once a niche market, climate bonds have become a key mechanism for mobilising funds towards projects which have a positive environmental outcome.
We look forward to playing our part in helping to provide assurance to bond issuers and investors that rigorous science-based criteria have been applied that are consistent with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement to limit warming to 1.5 degrees.
We are also excited to contribute to the development of a mature green and sustainability bond market which is a crucial part of helping investors to prioritise investments which genuinely contribute to addressing climate change.”
< ENDS >
Notes for journalists:
About Climate Bonds Initiative: Climate Bonds Initiative is an international not-for-profit working to mobilise global capital for climate action. Climate Bonds undertakes advocacy and outreach to inform and stimulate the market, provides policy models and government advice, market data and analysis, and administers an international Standard & Certification Scheme for best practice in green bonds issuance. For more information, please visit www.climatebonds.net.
About Climate Bonds Standard: It is an overarching science-based, multi-sector standard overseen by the Climate Bonds Standards Board that allows investors and intermediaries to easily assess the climate credentials and environmental integrity of bonds and other green debt products, assets and entities
Launched in 2011, with periodic updates, the Climate Bonds Standard is the most detailed climate-aligned investment criteria available in the market and provides guidance to issuers, investors, governments and regulators.
About Approved Verifiers: Under the Climate Bonds Standard and Certification Scheme, an Approved Verifier will assess a debt instrument, asset or entity against the Standard and sector-based technical criteria for compliance. If the debt instrument, asset or entity complies with the Standard and Criteria, the Verifier will produce a report to verify that it can be marketed to investors as a Certified Climate Bond, Asset or Entity. More information on our website here.
About BDO LLP: BDO LLP is one of the UK’s leading accountancy and business advisory firms, with 8,000 people working across 18 UK offices. The firm supports many clients on their sustainability journeys, helping them address the full range of ESG issues and regulations. For more information on their services, please visit www.bdo.co.uk
For more information, please contact:
Leticia Braga
Climate Bonds Initiative
Email: leticia.braga@climatebonds.net
Phone: + 55 61 992487070
Frank Shepherd
BDO
Email: frank.x.shepherd@bdo.co.uk
Phone: +44 (0)7812 463601